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Formerly incarcerated people speak out about forced labor; support for Prop. 6
Dominique Davis with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition spoke at a Prop 6 rally Monday.
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Robert Garrova / LAist
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Topline:
Several formerly incarcerated people joined state lawmakers and labor organizers in downtown Los Angeles Monday to make the case for why forced labor should be prohibited in state prisons.
Labor vs. rehabilitation: Dominique Davis with the Anti-Recidivism Coalition said she was forced to work in state prison even after she had advocated for a personal rehabilitation plan that included therapy, substance misuse treatment, and parenting classes.
“Fearful of writeups and disciplinary actions that would extend my time, I accepted the assignment although it did not fit my rehabilitation needs,” Davis said.
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What's on the ballot: California voters will be asked to consider Proposition 6 in November. If passed, the measure would ban state prisons from forcing incarcerated people to work against their will. Many people doing work inside state prisons earn less than $1 per hour.
However, Prop. 6 would still allow incarcerated people to choose to work to earn so-called good-time credits, which could reduce the amount of time they serve behind bars.
The backstory: When California joined the United States in 1850, the state banned forced labor with one key exception: as punishment for a crime.
The Legislative Analyst’s Office estimates that about one-third of people incarcerated in state prisons work. They do jobs that keep the prisons running — like cooking and cleaning.
"People who refuse to work or do other activities can face consequences such as losing the ability to make regular phone calls," according to the Legislative Analyst's Office.
From the supporters: The push to end forced labor in California prisons comes out of the California Reparations Task Force. Assemblymember Lori Wilson, chair of the California Legislative Black Caucus, called for “a comprehensive approach to dismantling the legacy of slavery and systemic racism.” Prop. 6 is seen as part of that dismantling.
From those in opposition: The Howard Jarvis Taxpayers Association opposes Prop. 6, citing concerns that it would burden taxpayers if incarcerated people are able to fight for higher wages.
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This work is only possible with community support. Every investigation, service guide, and story is made possible by people like you who believe that local news is a public good and that everyone deserves access to trustworthy local information.
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